Finland Guide
Finland
Finland Destination Info
Finland, voted as the happiest country in the world, is one of the world’s most northern and geographically remote countries. It shares borders with Sweden, Russia and Norway, and a maritime border with Estonia. Once part of Sweden and then Russian grand duchy until, the Finns declared independence in 1917.
Finland is famous for its many lakes, northern lights, skiing, contemporary design and culinary excellence. Offering plenty of outdoor activities to do, from canoeing and kayaking to hiking and skiing, this is a full year destination. Besides pristine wilderness, Finland also offers vibrant, lively and engaging cities with world-known design and music scene, modern and stately architecture, stylish and quirky bars and world class dining options.
Sustainable travel plays a big role in Finland and to raise awareness of sustainable tourism, they have developed the Sustainable Travel Finland program.
Due to excellent flight connections with the rest of the world, Helsinki is a great starting point for your vacation to Finland.
Finland Tours and Vacation Packages
Ready to see Finland for yourself? Every itinerary is a starting point: we tailor the dates, hotels and pace to you.
| Tour | Length | Highlights | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lapland Holidays | 5–14 days | Winter, Christmas, northern lights and summer trips | €950 |
| Finland Northern Lights Tour | 7 days | 3 Lapland regions · aurora hunts · glass cabin | €2,825 |
| Helsinki and Rovaniemi Holiday | 6 days | Helsinki · Tallinn day trip · night train · Santa Claus Village | €1,450 |
| Finland Winter Holiday Tour | 14 days | 7 destinations · huskies · Sámi culture · Levi and Ylläs | €4,925 |
| Southern Finland Holiday | 7 days | Helsinki · Porvoo · Tampere · Turku by train | €1,175 |
| Taste of Finland | 7 days | Helsinki and Turku food tours · Finnish cuisine | €1,825 |
| Active Finland Adventure | 10 days | Helsinki and Turku by bike · Lapland by fatbike and canoe | €1,775 |
Prices per person, excluding international flights.
Useful Facts About Finland
Capital city: Helsinki
Population: 5.5 million
Currency: EUR
Language: Finnish
Dialling code: +358
There are two high seasons in Finland and the best time to visit depends on where you’re going. The best time to visit the southern part of Finland is in spring or summer, when the weather is the nicest. June, July and August are the best months. For north, summer is when the famous Midnight Sun graces the skies, allowing for extended daylight hours to explore the country’s natural beauty and outdoor activities. If you’re interested in the winter activities and magical Christmas up in Lapland then December till mid April is the best time to visit. Bear in mind that December is also the busiest and most expensive month so if you’d like to experience the magical winter and do some northern lights hunting, we suggest visiting from mid January till the end of March. You can read more about it from our “Best Time to Visit Finland” blog post
Generally, Finland is a safe country to travel to. At the same time you should still pay attention to your surroundings and use common sense. Don’t walk the dark streets at night, never leave your drink unattended, keep an eye on your belongings and keep your money safe. We also recommend that you check with your government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure.
- 1 Jan New Year’s Day
- 6 Jan Epiphany
- 3 Apr 2026 / 26 Mar 2027 Good Friday
- 5 Apr 2026 / 28 Mar 2027 Easter Sunday
- 6 Apr 2026 / 29 Mar 2027 Easter Monday
- 1 May May Day
- 14 May 2026 / 6 May 2027 Ascension Day
- 24 May 2026 / 16 May 2027 Whit Sunday
- 19 Jun 2026 / 25 Jun 2027 Midsummer Eve
- 20 Jun 2026 / 26 Jun 2027 Midsummer Day
- All Saints’ Day (Saturday between 31 October and 6 November)
- 6 Dec Independence Day
- 25 Dec Christmas Day
- 26 Dec 2nd Day of Christmas
The dates of Easter, Ascension, Whitsun, Midsummer and All Saints’ Day change every year. The dates above are for 2026 and 2027.
Finnish cuisine is a combination of traditional country fare and contemporary continental cooking, filled with Nordic and arctic flavours. Built around fresh, natural ingredients from fish and meat to mushrooms and berries and even reindeer. Just like in the Baltic dishes, seasonal food and everything local plays a big role in everyday cooking. Finns are known for their fondness for drinking. Two liqueurs should be tasted: lakka, made from the saffron-coloured wild cloudberry, and mesimarja, made from the Arctic brambleberry. From non-alcoholic drinks coffee is very popular drink and per capita, Finnish people consume more coffee than any other nation in the world.
If you’re visiting Finland at any time other than summer, then pack warm clothes. If your trip to Finland is in summer then you might have some opportunities to wear shorts and short sleeved shirts but still pack for cooler weather just in case.
In winter you want to bring good quality thermal clothing. Wool is a great material in the far up North as it warms you even when wet, fleece is also not a bad option. Layer clothing helps you to adapt to the ever changing temperatures and weather conditions of Lapland. A beanie, a warm scarf and warm socks will keep you warm as you are spending time in our winter wonderland. Read more from our “Packing List for Lapland” blog post.
Where to go in Finland
Helsinki
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a modern city featuring some of the most distinctive architecture in the world. A perfect destination for art lovers and those who relish its exciting and vibrant nightlife, and dynamic culture scene. A city overflowing with good food, great design, interesting museums, and unique architecture. Surrounded by hundreds of tiny islands and nature trails, it's also perfect for anyone looking for some nature getaways and relaxing time amid its picturesque landscapes and waterfront vistas.
Turku
Turku is the oldest city and the former capital of Finland. The city is compact and easy to get around. It has bike-friendly paths, a stress-free bus system, and even water buses in the summertime. Walk around the riverbank and visit the cathedral and Turku Castle to get an overview of the cityscape or go island-hopping on the archipelago trail. As Turku is the self-proclaimed restaurant capital of Finland, trying local food and checking out different dining experiences during your trip to Turku is a must.
Tampere
Tampere, situated in southern Finland, is a vibrant city renowned for its stunning natural surroundings and rich industrial history. Tampere boasts a plethora of attractions, including the esteemed Tampere Art Museum, the historic Tampere Cathedral, and the impressive Pyynikki Observation Tower. With its abundance of parks, lakes, and outdoor recreational activities, Tampere provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of Finnish nature.
Rovaneimi
Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is also known as the hometown of Santa Claus. The famous Santa Claus Village is located there and you can meet the man himself there and also crosse the magical Arctic Circle. The city is surrounded by arctic nature, full of Lappish culture and a wide range of activities. There's plenty to do the whole year from northern lights hunting and husky and snowmobile rides in winter to experiencing the midnight sun and hiking in summer. Rovaniemi is a great base for exploring the surrounding scenery and experiencing the Lappish culture and traditions. Travel to Finland and Lapland during summer or winter, there's plenty to do and see for the whole year.
Levi
Levi is a world-renowned travel destination located in Lapland, Finland, known for its stunning natural beauty and exceptional winter sports offerings. The Levi ski resort is one of the largest in Finland, offering visitors access to 43 slopes, 27 lifts, and a wide range of skiing and snowboarding options for all skill levels. The resort also has a snow park for freestyle skiers and snowboarders, as well as a cross-country skiing network that spans over 230 kilometers. Levi is also a hub for other winter activities such as snowmobiling, husky safaris, and reindeer sleigh rides. In the summer, Levi transforms into a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers, with scenic trails and breathtaking views.
Ylläs
Ylläs is a breathtaking travel destination located in Lapland, Finland, that offers visitors the chance to experience the beauty and wonder of the Arctic region. The area is home to the Ylläs-Pallas National Park, which is one of the largest national parks in Finland and boasts vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness, rugged hills, and crystal-clear lakes. Visitors can explore the park's many hiking trails, enjoy fishing or canoeing on the lakes, or participate in winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. Ylläs is also a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, with two ski resorts, both offer a range of skiing and snowboarding options for all skill levels.
Äkäslompolo
Äkäslompolo is a picturesque village located in the heart of Lapland, Finland, renowned for its serene natural beauty and diverse outdoor activities. Nestled beside the stunning Ylläs fell, Äkäslompolo offers visitors access to cross country and downhill skiing trails. In addition to skiing, Äkäslompolo is a haven for other winter activities, offering thrilling adventures in a pristine Arctic setting. During the summer months, the village transforms into a vibrant destination for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing, with numerous trails and lakes to explore. With its charming atmosphere and array of seasonal activities, Äkäslompolo is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers year-round.
Pyhä-Luosto National Park
Pyhä-Luosto National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in Lapland, Finland. The park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the unique and rugged landscape of the region. In the winter, the park offers an array of activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, fatbiking and husky safaris, while in the summer, visitors can hike, fish, or go mountain biking. One of the must-visit attractions in the park is the Amethyst Mine, the only active amethyst mine in Europe. With its breathtaking scenery and unique cultural experiences, Pyhä-Luosto National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Lapland.
Kilpisjärvi
Kilpisjärvi is a remote and stunning travel destination located in the far north of Finland, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Arctic wilderness and untouched landscapes, including the stunning Malla Strict Nature Reserve, which offers hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and breathtaking views. One of the highlights of Kilpisjärvi is the Three Borders Point, where Finland, Sweden, and Norway meet. Additionally, the area offers a range of other winter activities and it's also one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Finland. Whether you're seeking an adventure-packed vacation or a serene getaway, Kilpisjärvi is a must-visit destination.
Inari
Inari, located on the shores of Lake Inari, the third largest lakes in Finland, is a unique travel destination. Among its treasures lies the mesmerizing Lemmenjoki National Park, a sanctuary offering winding hiking trails, and awe-inspiring vistas. One of the highlights of Inari is the Siida Museum, an immersive haven where one can delve deep into the vibrant history of Sámi culture and heritage. Besides that, Inari offers a variety of activities, from hunting the beautiful aurora borealis to, the thrill of ice fishing and snowmobiling, to local Sami family visits and handicraft experiences. Whether you're after an action packed adventure or a tranquil escape, Inari has it all.
Ivalo
Ivalo is more of a local and quieter town in the Inari-Saariselkä region. It's also where the airport is located, offering great connections with domestic and international airports. A notable highlight of Ivalo is its proximity to Lake Inari, where you can experience serene boat trips and witness the beauty of the northern lights, and Urho Kekkonen National Park, for various other activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and hiking. Whether you're seeking a quiet escape or a deeper connection to local culture, Ivalo beckons as a tranquil haven away from the beaten path. Come and discover the hidden treasures of this enchanting destination.
Saariselkä
Saariselkä, situated in the middle of magnificent fell scenery of Urho Kekkonen National Park, offers an array of hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and stunning panoramic views. A standout feature of Saariselkä is its renowned ski resort, which provides excellent slopes for both downhill and cross-country skiing, catering to all skill levels. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of winter activities such as snowshoeing, husky safaris, and aurora hunting. It's also one of the best places for a variety of glass cabin accommodations. Whether you seek an adventure-filled holiday or a tranquil escape, Saariselkä is an essential destination for experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of Lapland.
Ready to Plan Your Trip to Finland?
Tell us when you would like to travel and what you want to experience, from Helsinki and the lakes to the snow and northern lights of Lapland. A local expert will put together a personal itinerary for you.